R-3 Zone in Washington DC, DC
R-3 zoning district rules in Washington DC, DC. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The R-3 zone in Washington DC, DC is a residential district (Multi-Family Low Density). Permits multi-family housing at low density, typically up to 4 units. Allows triplexes and fourplexes in addition to single-family and duplex uses. This zone requires a 0 ft front setback, 0 ft side setback, and 15 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 40 feet (3 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 70%.
Common Permitted Uses
- Single-family homes
- Duplexes
- Triplexes
- Fourplexes
Permits multi-family housing at low density, typically up to 4 units. Allows triplexes and fourplexes in addition to single-family and duplex uses.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 0 feet |
| Side Setback | 0 feet |
| Rear Setback | 15 feet |
11 DCMR — R-3 Row Residential. Classic DC row house zone — zero front and side setbacks (built to lot line). Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Petworth, Shaw, and most central DC neighborhoods. Rear yard 15 ft minimum.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 40 feet
- Max Stories
- 3
11 DCMR — R-3 Row residential. DC row homes typically 2-3 stories within this limit.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 70%
11 DCMR — R-3 Row residential. High coverage reflects dense row house character. Rear yard open space minimum required.
Parking Requirements
Single-family: 0 spaces required in most R-3 and R-4 row house zones. 1 space per dwelling in R-1 and R-2 zones. DC's transit access and walkability reduce car dependency in most neighborhoods. Multi-family: 0–0.5 spaces per unit. R-5 zones in transit-rich areas have zero parking minimums. DC's Metro system, Circulator bus, Capital BikeShare, and extensive bike lanes support minimal car ownership.
Source: 11 DCMR (DC Municipal Regulations, Title 11 — Zoning) — Accessory Dwelling Unit provisions; DC Home Rule Charter. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source